opponent
Loading your saved state.
opponent
A person who competes against another person or group in a game, contest, or conflict; an opponent or competitor.
Im Finale traf der Tennisprofi auf seinen stärksten Gegenspieler.
In the final, the tennis pro faced his strongest opponent.
The word is built simply: 'Gegen-' means 'against' or 'opposite', and 'Spieler' is the person who plays. A 'Gegenspieler' is therefore literally a person who 'plays against you'.
Im Schach ist es wichtig, die Züge seines Gegenspielers vorauszusehen.
In chess, it is important to anticipate your opponent's moves.
The exact meaning of 'Gegenspieler' becomes clear from context. In sports it is the opponent, in a film the antagonist, and in politics the political rival.
In der Debatte hatte der Minister einen starken Gegenspieler aus der Opposition.
In the debate, the minister had a strong rival from the opposition.
'Gegenspieler' is often combined with adjectives that describe its strength or importance. Common combinations are 'ein harter Gegenspieler' (a tough opponent), 'ein ernstzunehmender Gegenspieler' (a serious opponent), or 'sein direkter Gegenspieler' (his direct opponent).
Die Kanzlerin traf sich mit ihrem wichtigsten politischen Gegenspieler.
The chancellor met with her most important political rival.
opponent
'der Gegner' and 'der Gegenspieler' are very close in meaning when someone competes against another person or group. 'Gegner' is the more general word and works in sports, debates, and situations involving different views. 'Gegenspieler' often sounds as if two sides are directly facing each other, for example in a game, competition, or political conflict. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to an opposing side. In everyday language, 'Gegner' is usually simpler and more common; 'Gegenspieler' works well when you want to emphasize the role of the other side in particular.
Im Schach wartet der Gegenspieler ruhig auf den nächsten Zug.
In chess, the opponent waits calmly for the next move.
In der Stadt diskutieren Gegner der neuen Straße mit dem Bürgermeister.
In the city, opponents of the new road are discussing it with the mayor.